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Plans submitted to change use of land off White Post Lane, in Sole Street, so it can become a Traveller site

More than 100 objections have been lodged against controversial plans to change the use of farmland so it can be a Traveller site.

Applicant Mr Shilling wants to put a mobile home, touring caravan and day room on the site in White Post Lane, Sole Street.

Trees and hedgerows were damaged when a mobile home was brought onto the land
Trees and hedgerows were damaged when a mobile home was brought onto the land

However, it is understood a mobile home was already brought onto the field, near Meopham, on December 19 before planning permission was secured.

At the time, residents reported hearing chainsaws late into the evening and damage was caused to the trees and hedgerows while the vehicle was being moved.

The incident was reported to Gravesham council’s enforcement team which confirmed it was investigating as the owners had breached a High Court injunction.

This order prevents anyone from using the land for the siting of caravans or mobile homes.

It was also reported to police who confirmed they were investigating reports of criminal damage, and Kent County Council (KCC) as it is responsible for the highway.

Yesterday (January 29), Gravesham council issued an update online confirming a new planning application had been submitted by Mr Shilling to change the use of the land.

More than 100 objections have been submitted
More than 100 objections have been submitted

It added: “This case is actively being addressed by a range of teams including development management, planning enforcement, environmental enforcement and community safety.

“The council recognises this application will generate significant interest within the community.

“Residents should be assured the council is addressing this case with the appropriate level of resource and due diligence, working with stakeholders to reach a decision within the statutory timeframe.”

The consultation period closes on February 19 with a decision expected towards the end of the month.

At the time of writing, more than 100 objections had been submitted to the local authority, many criticising the fact a mobile home has already appeared.

No letters of support have yet been received.

The land is subject to a High Court injunction preventing caravans and mobile homes being stationed
The land is subject to a High Court injunction preventing caravans and mobile homes being stationed

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Whitepost Farm has been subject to a long planning history with previous applications to station a caravan for security purposes and to change the use of the land into a Gypsy and Traveller site being refused.

Subsequent appeals have since been dismissed by the local authority.

However, there is a case with the Planning Inspectorate linked to an enforcement notice issued by the council after the land was changed from equestrian to unauthorised residential use with the stationing of mobile homes.

A decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Elsewhere in the borough, the council was pursuing enforcement action after a mobile home was brought onto land in Pear Tree Lane, Shorne, without planning permission.

A mobile home was also brought onto land south of Pear Tree Lane, in Shorne. Picture: Shorne Parish Council
A mobile home was also brought onto land south of Pear Tree Lane, in Shorne. Picture: Shorne Parish Council

A subsequent application to put two static homes, two touring caravans and a shared day room for Traveller occupation on the site was rejected.

In their report, council officers refused the scheme because it would cause an “unacceptable risk to groundwater conditions” and “impact on migrating birds” as no SAMMS payment - money offered to mitigate its environmental impact - has been made.

In an update published last Wednesday (January 22), the council confirmed it was working with relevant agencies and departments, to consider what enforcement action may be necessary.

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